The Real Jiyong

Chapter 13: The Interview

CHINA: “Ah, I see. Would you say having the right guidance form elders like Sean and other idols?  Do you think it helped you reach where you are today?”

GD: “Oh, most definitely. I wouldn’t have pushed myself as far as I have if I didn’t have the people around me from when I was younger telling me to just go for it, or telling me to challenge myself. I don’t think I would have realized my full potential, if it were not for the creative minds that inspired me, the coaches that pushed and told me o could do better…even when I would doubt myself and think that this was all I could give.”

CHINA: “Your journey starts from when you were a kid and you walked this journey for 17 years, can you explain what this journey has been like for you?” She asks with a smile.

GD: “Wow, 17 that is pretty long reminding me how old I’m getting. Ah, well, the journey has had its ups and downs I mean most times some of it is put on the news for the whole world to see, which does make it a lot harder to deal with and you feel ashamed at times because you know you’re human and you make mistakes and no one is perfect. But there are plenty of awarding times, those moments that make you feel proud about what you are doing, and you just learn to take each lesson as it comes with age.” I say.

CHINA: “Can you mention one of the hardest lessons you learned as an artist and as a person?”

GD: “Ah, my hardest lesson? I would have to say my marijuana case and Daesung's car accident. Um, that was really hard because the media was saying a whole lot of things, regarding Daesung’s car accident and I found out on the day it happened… During the early hours of the morning Seungri came and told me to look online and he didn’t explain why and so seeing how worried he looked I went online and found an article that said Daesung had died. That really knocked the wind out of me…and I got worried and it’s not just because I’m the leader of the group. He’s like my younger brother and so you know I was concerned about his well being, how was he coping and not being able to comfort him directly really ate away at me for some time. And that was a tough lesson to learn that people need their space to cope and to breathe and sometimes they just don’t feel like being around people. The marijuana case regarding myself was scary for me because I had never gone through a police check up and testing…so already being called down to come and have a test and being asked questions…its was scary and I was alone so it just made me feel uncomfortable. The media, people online, they where harsh you know saying certain things and making comments about me as a person. It really made me wonder if I really came off that way to people, and it really hurt me because these where people’s thoughts and opinions of me. Though I came to learn that I can’t change that even when the court declared that I innocent but partly responsible become did take the cigarette, there are people who will believe what they want to believe.”

CHINA: “Some deep lessons I think everyone can learn from and relate to. G-Dragon what can you say has been your greatest challenge as an artist?”

GD: “My greatest challenge as an artist? I would have to say and I think many artists can relate in some way is holding onto your dream. It’s easy to visualize and picture yourself at the top of your career, but I believe the scary part is getting there. I mean it’s a good thing to get nervous because it helps you stay focused but when you lose the passion and the reason behind why you started what you started it can become dangerous because you lose yourself in the persona that you kind of put on for the world to see.”

CHINA: “Speaking of persona many people and articles would describe you as 'a perfectionist' 'prideful' 'intelligent' and' 'arrogant' just to name a few. What are your thoughts on this?”

GD: “Well, I can understand where people may get the idea that I’m arrogant and prideful but I’m far from it. The style, the way I dress and carry myself may come off as such and it’s to be expected… but it doesn’t mean that I look down on people or that I think that I am better than others…not at all. I was just lucky to have received the opportunities presented to me and I went for it. I never took no as answer in anything I did. I wouldn’t describe myself as a perfectionist, it’s just I have a vision of how I want something and I know that vision can come to life with the right people and the right motivation to do it. It’s a process that I dedicate myself too and I do so till the end and the result is good music that people enjoy.” I explain slowly.

CHINA: “I can tell you hove this unexplainable passion and drive for what you do. What would your advice be for young people out there who want to do what you do?”

GD: “I would say, go for it. Don’t be afraid to start small and build yourself up. Learn to take criticism because people will judge you, call you crazy for having such wild dreams. And wild dreams are good because you have the courage to think big. And put yourself out there, go for auditions and if they turn you down don’t give up. Like I said earlier I started cleaning studios and getting water for other performers. I could have given up, felt miss used but I just kept on going. Find what works for you and do that don’t try to be someone else. People see through that easily. And your attitude and how you look at opportunities is very important, don’t look down on yourself and think everyone is looking down at you. You’d be surprised to find out that more often than not others will be inspired by your positive attitude.” I say smiling softly.